MP3 Broken Poets - Optimism in E-minor

Soulful poetry turned into song, rock & roll and introspection all in one.

12 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Modern Rock, FOLK: Folk-Rock

Show all album songs: Optimism in E-minor Songs


Details:
Broken Poets
Biography

âSpinning in my head, my thoughts like planets, some alive and some are dead, and some the light ainât reached me yet - and digging in my heart my bloods like dirt, some is Red, some is hard, and some has turned to mud for youâ

Broken Poets songwriter, singer and guitarist, Tim McDonald has always had an innate sensibility for creating strong melodies and verses, but itâs his gift for poetically expressing an almost transcendent philosophical insight that sets his songwriting apart from others. As one reviewer put it simply, "Soulful poetry turned into song, rock & roll and introspection all in one." McDonald is not just writing from the heart but is consistently tapping into some mysterious source of inspiration.

âFor me, songwriting is as much about location as it is about my personal experience,â McDonald says. âIâm always looking for some interesting new place to write and rehearse my songs. Iâve ended up under freeway overpasses, in parking garages, and remote areas of the desert -- anywhere I might find some good acoustics or a unique atmosphere to tap into.â McDonald even tells the story of how he once channeled the song, Human wheel, while walking past a local cemetery (song lyrics at the top of this page).

In 2000, McDonald was touring solo and needed someone to accompany him for a performance at The Gaslight, Dylanâs old haunt in NYC. A referral from a friend led him to classically trained Russian pianist and vocalist, Svetlana Antropova, which created the impetuous for Broken Poets. Off the success of the duo performance, McDonald sought out studio bassist Michael James and session drummer Russ Phaneuf to complete the bandâs lineup. Together they have created a modern alternative rock band, but one that still acknowledges the importance of the standards set by the greats that came before them; that every song on the record should be good, and that every record should actually mean something. McDonald adds, âI grew up with my older brother and sister force feeding me all the great singer/songwriters from the 60s & 70s. The standards for lyric writing were much higher in those days, and even though I didnât really âget itâ back then, I guess it set the bar for the writer I would later try to become.â

It is that standard that shines through in the bandâs third full length album, Optimism in E Minor, as well as translates into the bandâs live performances. There is no doubt that Broken Poets is an exceptional band to watch out for.

Discography
2000 âLooking for Aldous Huxleyâ self-released debut. The song âWelcome to My Lifeâ was selected for a Clear Channel compilation CD along with, Everclear, Third Eye Blind and Our Lady Peace.

2002 âAcoustic Electricâ self-released EP. Featuring studio heavyweight, Jonathan Mover (drums). Songs were selected for Neumann Microphone promotional demo, and ASCAPâs NYC Songwriter Showcase.

2004 âReincarnationâ release by Hadenâs Ferry Records and distributed nationally threw City Hall distribution. Album garnered solid airplay and strong critical acclaim.

2006 âOptimism in E Minorâ self-released (Wordvendor), November 2006. Completed an eight week national college radio campaign through The Planetary Group. Album chart peaked at #13 Most Stations Added (174 adds), as well as charted in seven markets, with medium to heavy rotation at (140) stations.

Broken Poets have recently opened for Seven Mary Three, James McMurtry and Ian Moore. With recent performances at Los Angeles âhot spotâ venues such as The Key Club, Whisky A Go-Go, Molly Maloneâs, as well as some top notch New York venues like Arlene Grocery, The Gaslight, and The Bitter End.